The UK Young Academy was launched earlier this month and brings together professionals, innovators, clinicians, researchers, academics, and entrepreneurs from across the UK to tackle important issues in society using their expertise and potential. It has been designed to ensure that their voices are heard in national and global policy discussions and seeks to connect the future leaders of various fields and specialisms.
The Academy is part of a new interdisciplinary collaboration with the Academy of Medical Sciences, the British Academy, the Learned Society of Wales, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Irish Academy, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and the Royal Society.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Jennings said: “I am very supportive of the launch of the UK Young Academy and strongly encourage colleagues in the early stages of their career at Loughborough University to apply. This new interdisciplinary initiative is part of a global network of Young Academies that aligns to our University vision and will provide an invaluable opportunity for passionate individuals with diverse experiences and expertise to come together to discuss and drive meaningful change on societal challenges.”
What are the eligibility criteria?
To apply, you’ll need to:
1) Be in the early stages of your career
2) Have between 3-12 years’ experience -post-qualification (eg following a doctorate) or working in your professional field
3) Provide evidence recording your experience
4) Reside in the UK (more information on this can be found on the UK Young Academy’s website)
Even if you’re not sure that you’ll meet all the criteria, the UK Young Academy still encourages individuals to apply. Those who have been on career breaks (including parental and adoptive leave or extended sick leave) will also be considered.
What does the application form consist of?
There are three main sections that cover an applicant's career, a personal statement, and how they feel they will contribute to the UK Young Academy. For the latter, applicants are asked (if they are able and feel comfortable to do so) to provide a three-minute video. Applicants are also required to submit details of two referees. The closing date is 8 September 2022.
How much time will you need to commit as a member?
As a minimum, members are expected to attend the New Members Induction Meeting that takes place 24-25 January 2023, and in addition, commit approximately 4-5 hours per month.
Membership lasts for five years, and the UK Young Academy will support and encourage members to contribute as much time as they are able to. Furthermore, the Academy is seeking individuals who would like to help shape their activities and work programmes, and some optional leadership opportunities will also be available to founding members which may require additional time.
What support will I receive from Loughborough University?
Organisational Development has created a support package to assist with the application process and it is strongly recommended that you take up this opportunity. Support includes mentorship to receive feedback on your written application form, and training to aid the video aspect of the submission. Please complete this short internal form by 30 June 2022 to express interest and note that your expression of interest will be shared with the Dean of your School/Head of your Professional Service. You may also wish to inform your line manager.
As a university, we recognise that there are societal and institutional barriers in place that work against supporting the development and progression of careers for those with protected characteristics. We are actively encouraging and supporting individuals from minority groups to apply for this opportunity.
How can I become a mentor to those applying to the UK Young Academy?
Loughborough University is keen to provide opportunities for colleagues to connect and develop each other. Therefore, academic staff from various disciplines and those in academic supporting roles, including those who support research and innovation endeavours, are encouraged to put themselves forward to mentor those applying to the UK Young Academy. The time commitment is not expected to be onerous; it is envisaged that mentors will be allocated up to two mentees each and asked to provide constructive feedback on their application form. Mentors may also be asked to provide feedback on the three-minute videos that mentees are required to submit as part of the application. If you would like to be a mentor, please complete this short form by 30 June and inform your line manager. Your expression of interest will be shared with the Dean of your School/Head of your Professional Service to highlight your willingness to support colleagues.
If you have any questions or need more information or support, please contact Dr Katryna Kalawsky.